Gasperini on his Roma journey and the club's momentum

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is pushing for reinforcements in the January transfer window, with a meeting between the club and the coach expected in the coming days to set the strategy. The November international break arrives at the right moment for Roma, who are enjoying an exciting start to the season, sitting third in Serie A and unbeaten in the league. Gasperini has now been in charge for 521 days, and the club and its management know that making the final leap in quality will require making the most of the January market. According to Il Tempo, Roma have not lost in Serie A for 18 matches, boast the league's best attack with 31 goals, and have the second-best defence. Gasperini sees the fruits of his work and the growth of a group that functions perfectly. He is aware, however, that there are still details to improve, such as finishing and handling decisive moments, if Roma are to close the gap on Lazio and Inter. That is why the winter window, which opens early on 28 December, is a key step. The top priority is clear: Roma need a fast winger capable of providing depth and unpredictability. Gasperini considers that profile fundamental, partly because players such as Dybala and Pellegrini do not offer constant physical guarantees. In other areas, Roma feel covered. The attack is working thanks to Soulé and Mora, and on the flanks the emergence of Lulli has reduced the urgency to act. Defence and midfield also offer good certainties.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini travelled to Genoa to receive the 5th edition of the "Un cuore da Leone" award, set up by Stelle nello Sport in memory of Gian Luigi Corti, and spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the event. He praised the courage he has always shown as a coach, saying: "Un po' di pazzia anche, sicuramente anche il coraggio che è una componente importante per me, per il Genoa che era una squadra coraggiosa con me e anche oggi penso che lo sia la Roma". Gasperini said Genoa had been a team built on courage during his time there, and that the club's supporters still hold his spell in the city close to their hearts. He spoke of two phases at Genoa, one lasting five years and one lasting three. "Difficile fare una classifica, sicuramente quella di Genova è stata una tappa fondamentale per la mia carriera e ricca di soddisfazioni. Bergamo una tappa meravigliosa anche quella, ma che è anche figlia del mio percorso", he said, comparing his time in Genoa with his spell at Atalanta. On Stephan El Shaarawy, who is now at Genoa, Gasperini recalled that he was the youngest player to have made his Serie A debut when Gasperini first gave him his chance. He said the pair later met again at Roma, where El Shaarawy scored the decisive goal that returned the club to the Champions League in May. "Ora è tornato qua a Genova e darà un grande contributo alla squadra", Gasperini added. Asked whether he expected a squad to be so ready so quickly, Gasperini said: "Una storia iniziata da un anno e mezzo ma meravigliosa, speriamo di continuare su questa strada. Roma ha dei numeri più grandi, se riesci a fare bene in questa città il risultato è maggiore". He added: "Sono alcuni mesi che riusciamo ad essere competitivi. In Italia siamo riusciti a crescere, siamo partiti bene anche l'anno scorso. L'anno scorso il girone di ritorno è stato di livello, quest'anno è ancora presto, undici partite non sono molte, ma sono significative per il comportamento della squadra. L'ambiente ci dà grande benzina per fare bene". Roma are two points behind Lazio, and Gasperini was asked whether he expected a title-race derby. "Sicuramente è una sorpresa un po' per tutti, ma anche un valore e riconoscimento per la città, che è una città straordinaria con un grande entusiasmo per il calcio. La Roma ha sempre lo stadio pieno, la Lazio magari ha altri problemi, ma in questa città si vive il calcio con un entusiasmo incredibile". Looking ahead, Gasperini said: "L'ambizione mia è di guardare sempre avanti, poi ogni tanto, come stasera, ti volti indietro ed è piacevole ricevere riconoscimenti. Ora ne approfittiamo un attimo con la sosta, poi però l'indirizzo è quello di continuare sulla strada intrapresa". Asked about Inter's heavy win over Como, he said he had expected Inter to win 2-0 and added that the Serie A title race looked balanced and remarkable.

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to reporters in Genoa after receiving the 5th edition of the "Un Cuore da Leone" award, named in memory of sports journalist Gian Luigi Corti, a day after Roma beat Sassuolo 3-0. The coach reflected on his past at Genoa and on his present at Roma. On the award, Gasperini said: "A fantastic opportunity to return to Genoa and meet so many friends. This recognition is a source of pride, it's a beautiful evening." Asked about the courage and generosity he has shown as a coach, he replied: "A bit of madness too (laughs)... courage is certainly an important component of sport, it was like that for me here in Genoa too, and I believe Roma are courageous today." He also spoke about Stephan El Shaarawy's return to Genoa. "Time passes... when he made his debut with me he was the youngest player in Genoa's history. We found each other again in Rome and he scored the decisive goal for the Champions League in May. Now he has come back here to Genoa and he will make a big contribution." On his time at Roma, Gasperini said: "A story that began a year and a half ago but it is wonderful, and we hope to continue on this road. Roma have bigger numbers, and if you manage to do well in this city, the visibility is greater." He was also asked about the strong start of Roma's city rivals Lazio. "It's a surprise for everyone, but it is also a great asset for the city, which has two teams up there at the top. It is extraordinary. Roma always have a full stadium, Lazio perhaps have other problems. It is a city that lives for football." On his side's strength, Gasperini said: "For months we have managed to be competitive in Italy. We have grown, and the second half of last season was of a high level. This year it is still early, 11 matches are few but they are significant for the team's behaviour and attitude. We have created an atmosphere that gives us a lot of fuel to keep doing well." Looking ahead, he added: "The ambition is always to look forward, although sometimes, like this evening, you look back. But I still want to look ahead to the next matches. Now the international break will help us, but afterwards we must continue like this." Finally, asked about Inter's win over Como, Gasperini said: "I knew they were 2-0 up... everyone knows Inter are a great team. Como are too. It is a balanced and extraordinary league."